The Statue of Liberty ferry is the only way to reach the famous statue, which is located on Liberty Island - a 15-minute ride from Manhattan. There are many frequently asked questions about the ferry that we get every single day, so in this guide, we’re going to break everything down and answer all the FAQs about the Statue of Liberty ferry.
The price of ferry tickets to the Statue of Liberty is around $30 per person. Tickets include round-trip ferry service to Liberty Island (Statue of Liberty National Monument) and Ellis Island (Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration). They also grant entry to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, the Statue of Liberty Museum, and priority access to the security screening facility. In addition, each ticket comes with an audio tour of both Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
When booking, you can choose a flexible ticket option with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit for a full refund.
To be on the safe side, it is highly recommended to book your ferry tickets in advance online, so you can secure your preferred date and time. You can do this via the following website.
There are 2 departure points for the Statue of Liberty ferry: from Manhattan (Battery Park) and from New Jersey (Liberty State Park). The most popular departure point among most travelers is of course from Battery Park in Manhattan. The exact address to head to is Castle Clinton National Monument, 10004, New York.
If you choose to take the ferry from Liberty State Park in New Jersey, the exact address is 1 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305, United States.
Ferries depart approximately every 25-30 minutes from the New York departure location.
The ferry ride from Battery Park (Manhattan) to Liberty Island (and from Liberty Island to Ellis Island, etc.) takes about 15 minutes each way. The ferry typically docks for around 10 minutes per island before continuing on.
So in practical terms, plan on about 15 minutes onboard each leg, with regular departures throughout the day. If you’re stopping at both Liberty and Ellis Islands, allow around 30 minutes total ferry time, plus time for waiting in security and for the next boat.
If you really want to avoid the long lines for the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, the best thing you can do is book your tickets in advance. It’s ideally for the very first boat of the day. The earlier you go, the fewer people there are, and you’ll get through security much faster.
Another tip that not everyone knows: if you’re coming by car or staying in New Jersey, consider taking the ferry from Liberty State Park instead of Battery Park in Manhattan. It’s usually way less crowded, and the whole process is quicker and calmer.
Yes, you can see the Statue of Liberty completely for free by taking the Staten Island Ferry. This is a public commuter ferry run by the City of New York, and it doesn’t cost anything to ride. The ferry runs 24/7 between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island and passes close enough to the Statue for great views and even photos, especially if you stand on the right side when leaving Manhattan.
While it doesn’t stop at Liberty Island, it’s one of the best free experiences in the city - no ticket, no hassle, just hop on, enjoy the ride, and take in the views of New York Harbor and the statue.
No. The regular tickets do not include access to the Pedestal Reserve or the Crown Reserve, and if you want access to them you will need to purchase special tickets via this website. It is worth noting that these tickets are very limited in quantity and are usually sold out months in advance. To succeed in getting them, you need to try and book at least a few months ahead.
Yes, it’s a good idea to make plans to see the Statue of Liberty ahead of time. You might be able to get tickets for the general ferry voyage on the same day, but things can get hectic, especially on weekends, holidays, and in the summer. It’s not fun to show up and find out that everything is sold out.
If you want to go inside the pedestal or climb up to the crown, you need to book ahead of time. There aren’t many of those seats, and people often book them weeks or even months in advance. You may also avoid huge lineups and feel better knowing your space is safe by booking online through the official site.
The best time to go see the Statue of Liberty is on a weekday morning, when you can take the first ferry of the day, which is normally between 8:30 and 9:00 AM. This offers you a good start before the throngs start to build up about noon. If you can, schedule your trip for a Tuesday through Thursday. These days are always less busy than weekends or Mondays.
Choosing the spring (April-June) or fall (September-November) seasons can also help. These shoulder months have nice weather and are not as busy as summer. Lines can form rapidly after 10 AM in busy months like July and August, but getting there early still helps you avoid most of the wait.
You don’t need an ID to take the regular boat or walk around Liberty or Ellis Islands, but you do need a government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your ticket to get into more private locations like the Pedestal or the Crown. If you bought tickets for Pedestal Reserve or Crown Reserve, this rule is very important. You won’t be let in without matching ID.
At security checks, a photo ID is usually all you need to get in. Kids under 17 can go with an adult even if they don’t have their own ID. If you don’t expect to climb up inside, just bring your ticket and a small bag.
If you want to catch the ferry to Liberty Island, you’ll need to head to one of two official departure points. Most visitors go to Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan - the boats leave from right there, and it’s easy to reach via the subway or local buses.
If you’re driving or staying in New Jersey, a quieter alternative is Liberty State Park in Jersey City. That terminal has ample parking, public transit access, and usually shorter lines. Whichever side you choose - Manhattan or New Jersey, you’ll board a Statue City Cruises ferry, go through airport-style security, and enjoy a direct ride to both Liberty and Ellis Islands.
Dress in layers and comfortably when you go to the Statue of Liberty. It can be cold out on the sea, and even on a sunny day, high winds are not uncommon. Choose durable, closed-toe shoes because you’ll be walking and standing on uneven ground a lot.
Wear clothes that are easy to take off and don’t have a lot of jewelry or belts. A light bag will also help you get past the airport-style screening, especially if you plan to step inside the pedestal or crown.
A hat and sunscreen are good ideas in the summer, and a windbreaker or warm jacket will keep you warm in the winter. If you pack light and dress smart, you’ll be comfortable and stress-free from the time you board the plane until you get off.
Visiting the Crown of the Statue of Liberty is absolutely one of those rare experiences that leaves a lasting impression-but it comes with a hefty tradeoff. You’ll need to climb a narrow, spiral staircase of 162 tightly packed steps, and space inside is truly cozy. If you’re fit, not claustrophobic, and have planned well in advance (crown tickets sell out months ahead), you’ll get a strikingly intimate look at the statue’s internal skeleton-Eiffel’s iron framework-and be deep inside Lady Liberty’s head. Many visitors say the real magic isn’t the view through the small windows (you’ll glimpse the harbor and a sliver of Manhattan), but the never-to-be-replicated sensation of standing in her crown.
That said, if you’re more interested in panoramic views and a more relaxed visit, the pedestal is often the smarter choice. You’ll still go inside the statue, enjoy outdoor 360° harbor views, and skip the claustrophobic climb-plus pedestal tickets are much easier to get, even on the day of your visit . In short: the crown is worth it for the thrill and storybook nature of the experience-but only if you’re comfortable with tight spaces, narrow stairs, and securing a ticket months ahead. Otherwise, the pedestal alone gives you plenty to savor.
Yes, there are public restrooms on Liberty Island, including accessible facilities. You’ll find them near the ferry landing and inside the museum area.
